Microperforated and backlit displays having alternative display capabilities

ABSTRACT

A visual display having microperforations, backlighting and contrasting surface finishes is disclosed. The visual display includes an opaque base object having a front surface and a plurality of microperforations therethrough from the front surface to a back surface. Each microperforation has a diameter of about 100 microns or less, and numerous microperforations are arranged into an overall pattern, such as a logo, text or advertisement. A light source placed proximate to the back surface passes light through the microperforations to be visible at the front surface, such that the overall pattern can be visibly perceived when the light source is turned on. A contrasting surface finish formed on the front surface includes at least two visibly distinguishable shades, with one shade covering at least a portion of the front surface defined by the overall pattern, such that the overall pattern can be seen when the light source is turned off.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to co-pending and commonly owned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/242,658, filed Sep. 30, 2008, which inturn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/080,155, filed Jul. 11, 2008, both of which are entitled“MICROPERFORATED AND BACKLIT DISPLAYS HAVING ALTERNATIVE DISPLAYCAPABILITIES,” and both of which are incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to visual displays, and moreparticularly to the use of aesthetically pleasing visual displays thatcan be backlit.

BACKGROUND

Sophisticated computers, televisions, appliances and other electronicdevices are developing at a rapid rate. There is an ever-present demandfor improved appearance, improved functionality, and improved aestheticsin the newest devices. One area that continually receives greatattention for improvement in such devices includes user displays, lightsand other visual indicators. Providing crisp, attractive, unambiguous,and intuitively friendly displays, lights and other visual indicatorsfor a user is very important in many electronic devices and otherconsumer products. As consumer products become smaller and more complex,however, it becomes increasingly difficult to present displays, lightsand other visual indicators for a user in a manner that is readilyunderstandable, yet uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing.

Much of the aesthetic appeal of an electronic device or other consumerproduct can quickly be compromised if there are too many displayelements, lights and indicators, or if too much of the visible displayarea is occupied by display elements that are not needed or relevant atall times. When not needed, these “passive” or unactivated visualdisplay elements can remain perceptible to the user, even though in the“off” state. This is not only displeasing from an aesthetic standpoint,but it can be an annoying distraction that interferes with theperception and understanding of other visual display elements that areof greater importance or should be observed at a given moment.

While many designs for providing displays, lights and other visualindicators on electronic and personal devices have generally worked wellin the past, there is always a desire to provide new and improveddesigns or techniques that result in even more aesthetically pleasingdisplays, lights and other visual indicators. In particular, the abilityto provide displays, lights and other visual indicators on electronicand personal devices in a manner that can conserve space and reducevisual clutter is desired, particularly where such displays, lights andother visual indicators have alternative capabilities.

SUMMARY

It is an advantage of the present invention to provide an aestheticallypleasing backlit display having alternative display capabilities,particularly for use with an electronic or other personal device. Thiscan be accomplished at least in part through the use of a base objecthaving a matrix or other formation of microperforations formed thereinand arranged into an overall visible pattern, such that a light sourceproviding light therethrough can be perceived by a user on the otherside. Alternative display capabilities can include the ability of thevisible pattern to be readily perceived by the user even when the lightsource is turned off.

In various embodiments of the present invention, a visual display caninclude a base object having front and back surfaces on opposing sidesas well as a plurality of microperforations therethrough, a lightsource, and a contrasting surface finish formed on the front surface.The base object can be an opaque material, such that light shiningthrough the microperforations can be seen by a user on the opposite sideof the light source. Each of the microperforations can have a diameterof about 100, 50, 30 or even 20 microns or less, although a diameter ofabout 30 microns or less is preferable. The microperforations can bearranged into an overall pattern that is discernable by a user. Thelight source can be placed proximate to the back surface such that lightpassing through the microperforations is visible to a user viewing thefront surface, and such that the user can visibly perceive the overallpattern when the light source is turned on. The contrasting surfacefinish formed on the front surface can have a first shade and a secondshade that is visually distinguishable from the first shade. The firstshade can cover some or all of the front surface defined by the overallpattern, and the second shade can cover some or all of the front surfaceoutside of that which is defined by the overall pattern, such that auser can visibly perceive the overall pattern when the light source isturned off.

In various detailed embodiments, the overall pattern can comprise alogo, a trademark, text, and/or an advertisement, among various otheritems. The base object can comprises a metallic object such as analuminum or stainless steel object. The contrasting surface finish cancomprise separate and different anodizations of the front surface, orcan comprise separate and different platings of the front surface. Othersurface treatments to distinguish the pattern when the light source isturned off are also possible. The microperforations can be filled with aclear epoxy material. Also, the light source can be a light emittingdiode, a liquid crystal element, and/or an electroluminescent light,among other suitable possibilities. In some embodiments, the lightsource can be adapted to change colors while light is continuouslyemitted therefrom, for a more dynamic and aesthetically pleasing visualdisplay.

In further embodiments of the present invention, an electronic devicecan include an outer housing adapted to contain one or more internalelectrical device components therein, a processor located within theouter housing, one or more user interface regions in communication withthe processor, and a visual display located on the outer housing. Atleast a portion of the outer housing can includes an opaque materialhaving a front surface and a back surface on opposing sides thereof, andthe visual display can be located on this opaque portion. The visualdisplay can includes a plurality of microperforations from the frontsurface through to the back surface of the opaque portion, a lightsource placed proximate to the back surface, and a contrasting surfacefinish formed on the front surface. Further details, variations andfeatures can be similar to the various visual display embodimentsprovided above. The electronic device can be a laptop, personalcomputer, media player or cell phone.

In still further embodiments, a method of forming a visual display isprovided. Process steps can include selecting a base object composed ofan opaque material and having front and back surfaces, forming aplurality of microperforations in the base object in an overall patternsuch that light is able to pass therethrough, placing a mask over thefront surface to mask front surface area that lies outside the overallpattern, anodizing the portion of the front surface exposed by the mask,removing the mask to reveal a front surface having at least two visiblydifferent surface finishes, and positioning a light source proximate tothe back surface. Alternatively, a plating process involving a printresistant ink can be used to form the two visibly different surfacefinishes on the front surface.

Again, various details and features of the visible pattern can besimilar to foregoing embodiments. The light source can be positionedsuch that light from said light emitted therefrom passes through themicroperforations and is visible to a user viewing the front surface.The overall effect is that a user can visibly perceive the light formingthe overall pattern when the light source is turned on and can visiblyperceive the overall pattern due to the visibly different surfacefinishes when the light source is turned off.

Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the inventionwill be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only toprovide examples of possible structures and arrangements for thedisclosed inventive apparatus and method for providing microperforatedand backlit display having alternative display capabilities. Thesedrawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be madeto the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates in top plan view an exemplary laptop personalcomputer in a closed position and having a logo on its cover accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates in side perspective view the exemplary laptopcomputer of FIG. 1A in an open position according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a closeup and partially cutaway view of the logo onthe exemplary laptop computer cover of FIG. 1A according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary base objectformed from aluminum and having a microperforated backlit visual displayaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary base objectformed from stainless steel and having a microperforated backlit visualdisplay according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of forming amicroperforated backlit display having alternative display capabilitieson an aluminum base object according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of forming amicroperforated backlit display having alternative display capabilitieson a stainless steel base object according to an alternative embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary applications of apparatuses and methods according to thepresent invention are described in this section. These examples arebeing provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of theinvention. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that thepresent invention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process steps have not beendescribed in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention. Other applications are possible, such that thefollowing examples should not be taken as limiting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the presentinvention. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detailto enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, it isunderstood that these examples are not limiting; such that otherembodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention relates in various embodiments to aesthetically pleasingvisual displays that can be backlit. In particular, such visual displayscan include a microperforated and backlit display having alternativedisplay capabilities. Such displays can be used on an electronic orother personal device, such as, for example, a MacBook® laptop computer,a Mac Pro® personal computer, an iPod® media player, or an iPhone®cellular telephone, all made by Apple Inc., among other suitablecomputers and electronic devices. Furthermore, the invention can also beused for visual displays on other items that may not be electronicdevices, as will be readily appreciated, and all such other uses arespecifically contemplated.

In various embodiments of the present invention, a microperforated andbacklit display having alternative display capabilities is provided.Tiny holes or “microperforations” formed in a base object for such adisplay are preferably tiny enough so that they cannot be readilydistinguished at the base material surface by the naked human eye, butare large enough so that light can pass therethrough and be seen by thenaked human eye. In general, such microperforations should extend fromone side of the base material to another side, such that light can bepassed therethrough. Such microperforations can be about 100 microns orless in diameter, and should preferably be even smaller, such as about30 microns or less in diameter. It is thought that a diameter of about30 microns or less tends to result in such microperforations being“invisible” to the naked eye for most observers. In some embodiments,the microperforations can range from about 20 microns to about 50microns in diameter. Smaller microperforation diameters can also beused, as may be desired for a particular visual display implementation.

Further details regarding such microperforations and the formationthereof into a base object can be found in commonly owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 11/456,833 and 11/551,988, filed on Jul. 11, 2006,and Oct. 23, 2006 respectively, both of which are entitled “INVISIBLE,LIGHT-TRANSMISSIVE DISPLAY SYSTEM,” and both of which are incorporatedby reference herein in their entireties and for all purposes. Lasersused to cut such microperforations can be those manufactured by, forexample, Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. of Portland, Oreg.,although many other brands and makes of lasers might also be used. Inaddition to the foregoing details and examples, microperforation holesmight also be cut using a water-based laser microjet machine, such asthose that are manufactured by Synova Corporation of Lausanne,Switzerland.

In particular, all arrangements and formation methods with respect tosuch microperforations disclosed in these references are contemplatedfor use with the present invention as well. Such microperforationpatterns can be formed on a surface for virtually any opaque base objectwhere the subject visual display is desired. Although metallic surfacesare preferable, such as, for example, stainless steel, aluminum,titanium, copper, magnesium and the like, any base object that isreadily amenable to the formation of such microperforations can be used.

Although the use of a microperforated and backlit display is typicallyquite aesthetically pleasing to a user, there is typically noperceptible display or item when the light source is turned off.Although this may be preferable for some applications, it may bedesirable for the backlit display item to be seen in some way even whenthe light source is turned off. For example, a logo or other trademarkcan be an item that a manufacturer might want on display at all times.Of course, a wide variety of other instances can also exist, such asadvertisements, disclaimers and other text, for example. In suchinstances, it is desirable that the microperforated and backlit displayhave alternative display capabilities when the backlight source isturned off.

Referring first to FIG. 1A, an exemplary laptop personal computer in aclosed position and having a logo on its cover is shown in top planview. Laptop computer 10 can be, for example, a MacBook® laptopcomputer, although other brands and models of laptop computers arecontemplated for use with the present invention. As shown, laptopcomputer 10 includes a top cover 11 that includes a visual display 100in the shape of the Apple® logo. Visual display 100 can be, for example,a microperforated and backlit display having a different surface finishthan the rest of top cover 11, as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 1B illustrates the same exemplary laptop computer as depicted inFIG. 1A, only in an open position and in side perspective view. Laptopcomputer 10 can have a top cover 11, as well as a lower portion 12 thatmay include a keyboard 13. Again, top cover 11 can include a visualdisplay 100, such as the Apple® logo shown. Although visual display 100is in the form of a logo, it will be readily appreciated that a widevariety of shapes, sizes and types of visual displays may be used, andthat such displays can be logos, trademarks, text, advertisements, orother general types of patterns or displays. Again, visual display 100can comprise a pattern of numerous microperforations formed in thematerial of the top cover 11.

Continuing to FIG. 1C, the visual display (i.e., logo) of FIGS. 1A and1B is shown in closeup and partially cutaway view, in order toaccentuate the existence of the microperforations. Closeup portion 150of top cover 11 is the view that actually depicts the variousmicroperforations 101 forming the visual display 100. As shown, visualdisplay 100 is formed in the shape of the Apple® logo, although thisdisplay can alternatively be any other logo, trademark, text,advertisement, and/or other general overall pattern. This visual display100 is formed from a collection of multiple microperforations, which canrange from a few to dozens, hundreds or even thousands. As noted in the'833 and '988 patent applications referenced above, such amicroperforation field or pattern can be made visible on one side byproviding a light source on another side.

Turning next to FIG. 2, an exemplary base object formed from aluminumand having a microperforated and backlit visual display according to oneembodiment of the present invention is shown in side cross-sectionalview. Here, the base object is an aluminum electronic device housing orcover 211, or at least the portion thereof containing a microperforationpattern 200 that includes a plurality of holes or microperforations 201that extend from a back surface 215 to a front surface 216 of the baseobject 211. A light source 220 on the backside of cover 211 can bepartially inset into a cavity 214 formed in the backside of the cover,as shown, and can be any of a wide variety of light sources, such as,for example, a light emitting diode, a liquid crystal element, anelectroluminescent light, or any other suitable light source for such apurpose. An optically clear double-sided adhesive 230 can be used toaffix the light source 220 to the back surface 215, such that light canbe passed through the adhesive. Various thicknesses for the aluminumcover or other base object 211 can be used, although it is thought thata thickness of about 0.8 millimeters works well for laptop computerapplications. Alternative applications may lend themselves to differentthicknesses depending upon circumstances, as will be readilyappreciated. For example, a thickness of about 0.5 millimeters might bepreferable for a smaller item, such as for an iPod®, iPhone®, or othermedia player or cellular telephone. Although the base object has beendescribed herein with respect to various electronic devices, it will beunderstood that the inventive microperforated and backlit display can beused for other non-electronic device applications as well.

An additional inset or cavity dimension of about 0.3 millimeters can beused for placement of the light source, as desired. Formation of such aninset or cavity can be made through any of a variety of suitablemethods, such as, for example, a localized etching or machining processin the metal. Performing such a “thinning” of the top cover or othersuitable housing component prior to the formation of themicroperforations can also aid in the formation of suchmicroperforations, since the formation thereof can often be easier for athinner material. In addition, the front display surface 201 where thebacklit logo is viewable can be anodized, plated or otherwise treated ina variety of ways, as disclosed herein. For example, specially anodizedregion 217 of display surface 201 can correspond to or work inconjunction with microperforation pattern 200, as set forth in greaterdetail below. Anodized region 217 presents a surface finish that isvisibly distinct from the surface finish or finishes of the rest ofdisplay surface 201.

An alternative formation of a microperforated and backlit logo or othervisual display pattern can be seen in FIG. 3, which illustrates in sidecross-sectional an exemplary base object formed from stainless steelaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. Similar to theforegoing example, the base object can be a stainless steel housing,cover or other component 311, or at least the portion thereof containinga microperforation pattern 300 having a plurality of microperforations301. The light source 320 can be the same or similar to that of theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, and the dimensions can be the same orsimilar to the foregoing embodiment. As another example, the thicknessof the stainless steel cover can be about 0.5 millimeters, although sucha thickness can vary widely, as desired. One difference between theabove exemplary embodiment involving an aluminum cover and thisexemplary embodiment involving a stainless steel cover can be thesurface treatments to the front surface of the cover, as discussed ingreater detail below. For example, a specially plated region 317 may beused to correspond to the microperforation pattern 300, rather than aspecialized anodization of the front display surface.

Continuing now to FIG. 4, a flowchart is provided for one exemplarymethod of forming a microperforated backlit display having alternativedisplay capabilities on an aluminum base object according to oneembodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that theprovided steps are shown only for purposes of illustration, and thatmany other steps may be included in the process, as may be desired.Furthermore, the order of steps may be changed where appropriate and notall steps need be performed in various instances. After a start step400, a first process step 401 involves selecting a base object composedof an opaque material, such as aluminum. The aluminum base object shouldhave a front surface and a back surface on opposing sides thereof, withthe front surface being adapted for presenting a visual displaythereupon. The aluminum object can be, shaped in the form of a housingcomponent for an electronic device, such as, for example, a top coverfor a laptop computer or a back portion of a media player or cellulartelephone. In some embodiments, the aluminum base object can bepre-anodized aluminum.

Next, at process step 402, a plurality of microperforation holes can beformed in the base object (e.g., aluminum housing component), such thatlight is able to pass through from the front surface to the backsurface. As noted above, each of these plurality of microperforationscan have a diameter of about 100 microns or less, and preferably have adiameter of 30 microns or less so as to be invisible to the naked eye ofmost observers. These microperforations can be formed into an overallpattern, such as a logo, trademark, text, advertisement or othersuitable arrangement.

At process step 403, a mask is placed over the front surface such thatgenerally only the microperforated region is exposed. As such, the maskis arranged such that it covers a significant amount of the frontsurface that lies outside the overall pattern formed by themicroperforations. Of course, exceptions to this general arrangement mayapply as desired. For example, extra holes or openings in the mask canbe made in other locations on the front surface, such as to providemarkings for text or other designations. Alternatively, some variationsbetween the masked pattern and the microperforation pattern can bedesigned intentionally to add greater visual effect. At process step404, the portion of the front surface that exposed by the mask isanodized, with such anodization not effecting those regions that arecovered by the mask. As a result, the exposed portion that includes theregion substantially defined by the overall microperforation patternwill be visible different than the region that was masked foranodization. Process step 405 involves removing the mask to reveal thefront surface having at least two visibly different surface finishes.

At subsequent process step 406, an electroluminescent light or othersuitable light source is placed proximate to the back surface such thatlight from the light source passes through the microperforations and isvisible to a user viewing the front surface. The light source can beaffixed to the base object itself, or can be positioned proximate themicroperforations via any other suitable positioning method, such as byattachment to an adjoining component. The overall result is that a usercan visibly perceive light from the light source forming an overallpattern when the light source is turned on due to the microperforations,and can also visibly perceive the overall pattern when the light sourceis turned off due to the visibly different surface finishes as a resultof anodizing the surface using a mask. After process step 406, themethod then ends at end step 407.

Although the disclosed method only provides for one masking and oneanodizing step, it is also contemplated that a second anodizing step fora more striking visual contrast can also be used. Such a secondanodizing step may or may not be used with a mask. For example, anadditional “primer” anodizing step may be performed on the entiredisplay surface, such as between steps 402 and 403, with no masking. Theanodizing done in step 404 could then be done differently on just theunmasked region, such that its different anodized finish will contrastwith the original anodized finish under the masked portions of thedisplay surface.

Such a “double anodizing” process can result in light and darkcontrasting finishes, such as, for example, a black and silver finish.As will be readily appreciated, one of the shades or colors can be madeonly on the surface portion that corresponds to the microperforated logoor pattern, while the other shade or finish can be made on all otherregions outside the logo or pattern. In this manner, the logo or patternwill be visible even when the light source is turned off, due to thecontrasting finishes on the display surface itself. Further anodizingand/or masking steps can be added as desired to create visible contrastsin three or more visibly different shades. A different luminescentdisplay can then be perceived through the microperforations when thelight source is turned on. As will also be readily appreciated, thelight source can be simple and constant in any color, or it can changeto and from any of a variety of colors. Additional light effects, suchas a pulse or strobe, may also be used for the light source, as may bedesired.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of forming amicroperforated backlit display having alternative display capabilitieson a stainless steel base object according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. Again, it will be understood that the provided stepsare shown only for purposes of illustration, and that many other stepsmay be included in the process, as may be desired. Again, the order ofsteps may be changed where appropriate and not all steps need beperformed in various instances. After a start step 500, a first processstep 501 involves selecting a base object composed of an opaquematerial, such as stainless steel, and then printing a pattern on afront or display surface thereof. Similar to the foregoing example, thestainless steel object can be shaped in the form of a housing componentfor an electronic device, such as, for example, a top cover for a laptopcomputer or a back portion of a media player or cellular telephone.

Next, at process step 502, a print resistant ink can be placed on thenon-printed front surface portions from step 501. At subsequent processstep 503, the print ink can then be chemically removed from the frontsurface, with this process leaving the print-resistive ink behind. Next,at process step 504, the front surface can be plated, with such aplating affecting only the region of the surface that has been exposeddue to the removal of the print ink. Regions of the surface stillcovered by the print resistive ink are preferably unaffected by thisplating process. As in the foregoing embodiment, variations in thepattern for the print ink and print-resistive ink can be implemented asmay be desired to allow for additional images, text, and/or other visualeffects in the final product.

At process step 505, the print-resistive ink is removed, exposing theoriginal unplated surface region or regionss alongside the now platedsurface region or regions, with such plated regions substantiallyforming a logo or other pattern. Microperforation holes can then beformed through the base object (e.g., stainless steel) and plating atprocess step 506. Again, such microperforations can be formed in anoverall pattern, such as a logo, text or advertisement, for example.Preferably, the microperforation pattern substantially matches andoverlaps the pattern created by the selective plating steps above.

Finally, at subsequent process step 507, an electroluminescent light orother suitable light source is placed proximate to the back surface suchthat light from the light source passes through the microperforationsand is visible to a user viewing the front surface. Again, this lightsource can be affixed to the base object itself, or can be positionedproximate the microperforations via any other suitable positioningmethod, such as by attachment to an adjoining component. Similar to theforegoing embodiment, the overall result is that a user can visiblyperceive light from the light source forming an overall pattern when thelight source is turned on due to the microperforations, and can alsovisibly perceive the overall pattern when the light source is turned offdue to the selective plating process steps above. After process step507, the method then ends at end step 508.

As will be readily appreciated, various plating and/or ink printingsteps and techniques can be used in this stainless steel base objectembodiment in place of the anodizing steps and techniques used in thealuminum embodiment above. In some embodiments, various anodizing, inkprinting and/or plating processes may all be used on the displaysurface, as desired. Similar to the anodizing example above, althoughthe disclosed method only provides for a single plating step, it is alsocontemplated that a second plating step for a more striking visualcontrast can also be used. Such a second plating step may or may not beused with a mask. For example, an first plating step may be performed onthe entire display surface, such as before step 1, with no ink masking.The remainder of the process could then be performed, with the resultbeing two contrasting platings.

Again, additional process steps may be added, as may be desired. Suchsteps may include filling the microperforations with a clear epoxy, soas to permit the passage of light, yet avoid the clogging of these tinyphysical holes with contaminants or the passage of any fluids or spilledliquids therethrough. Further, the affixing of the light source mayinvolve placing an optically clear double-sided adhesive against theback surface of the base object, up against and across themicroperforations, and then affixing the light source directly to theadhesive. Further process steps may involve the customized shaping ofthe backside of the base object, such as to machine or etch the backside to create a cavity for locating the light source or sources.

Although the two exemplary embodiments disclosed herein involve aluminumand stainless steel as the base object for the visual display, it willbe readily appreciated that other metals can also be used for this item,and for the various plating and/or anodizing steps provided herein.Furthermore, other materials may also be used for a base object, as maybe appropriate. For example, a hardened opaque plastic suitable for theformation of microperforations can be used. In such instances, differingcolors or shades on the surface of the plastic can be built into theplastic as part of the manufacturing process for the base object.Microperforation holes might then be formed in the hard plastic toconform with the visual pattern that is already there. Other materialssuitable for microperforation formation may also be used.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way ofillustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, itwill be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied innumerous other specific variations and embodiments without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Althoughthe present invention has been described primarily with respect tohousings for electronic devices, it will be appreciated that othernon-electronic objects can be incorporated with the present invention.For example, various inventive microperforated and backlit displaysdisclosed herein can be made with respect to a region on the body of anautomobile or other vehicle. Certain changes and modifications may bepracticed, and it is understood that the invention is not to be limitedby the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. An electronic device, comprising: an outer housing adapted to contain one or more internal electrical device components therein, wherein said outer housing includes an opaque portion having a front surface and a back surface on opposing sides thereof; a processor located within said outer housing; and a visual display located on said opaque portion of said outer housing, wherein said visual display includes: a plurality of microperforations therethrough from said front surface to said back surface, wherein each of said plurality of microperforations has a diameter of about 100 microns or less; a light source positioned such that light from said light source passes through said plurality of microperforations and is visible to a user viewing said front surface; and a contrasting surface finish formed on said front surface, said contrasting surface finish having a plurality of visually distinguishable shades arranged such that said user can visibly perceive an overall pattern that corresponds to said plurality of microperforations when said light source is turned off.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of microperforations has a diameter of about 50 microns or less.
 3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of microperforations has a diameter of about 30 microns or less.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein said overall pattern comprises a logo.
 5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein said opaque portion comprises a metal.
 6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of microperforations are filled with a clear epoxy material.
 7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein said light source is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, a liquid crystal element, and an electroluminescent light.
 8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein said light source is adapted to change colors while light is continuously emitted therefrom.
 9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein said electronic device is selected from the group consisting of a laptop computer, a personal computer, a media player and a cellular telephone.
 10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of microperforations are substantially straight in nature.
 11. A method of providing a visual display, comprising: selecting a base object including a region of opaque material having a front surface and a back surface on opposing sides thereof, a plurality of microperforations therethrough such that light is able to pass from said front surface to said back surface, said plurality of microperforations being arranged in a first pattern, and wherein said front surface includes a contrasting surface finish having a plurality of visually distinguishable shades arranged in a second pattern that corresponds to said first pattern; positioning a light source proximate to said back surface such that light from said light source passes through said microperforations and is visible to a user viewing said front surface; turning said light source on such that the user can visibly perceive said first pattern due to light shining through said plurality of microperforations; and turning said light source off such that the user can visibly perceive said second pattern due to the contrasting surface finish.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein each of said plurality of microperforations has a diameter of about 100 microns or less.
 13. The method of claim 11, further including the step of: providing said visual display at an outer surface region of an electronic device.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said electronic device is selected from the group consisting of a laptop computer, a personal computer, a media player and a cellular telephone.
 15. A visual display, comprising: a base object composed of a non-transparent material and having a front surface, a back surface, and a plurality of microperforations therethrough from said front surface to said back surface, wherein said plurality of microperforations are arranged into a first pattern; a light source placed proximate to said back surface such that light from said light source passes through said microperforations and is visible at said front surface such that said first pattern can be visibly perceived when said light source is turned on; and a contrasting surface finish formed on said front surface, said contrasting surface finish having a plurality of visually distinguishable shades arranged such that said user can visibly perceive a second pattern that corresponds to said first pattern when said light source is turned off.
 16. The visual display of claim 15, wherein each of said plurality of microperforations has a diameter of about 100 microns or less.
 17. The visual display of claim 15, wherein said overall pattern comprises a logo.
 18. The visual display of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of microperforations are filled with a clear epoxy material.
 19. The visual display of claim 15, wherein said light source is adapted to change colors while light is continuously emitted therefrom.
 20. The visual display of claim 15, wherein said plurality of microperforations are substantially straight in nature. 